Risk Management Policy

RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

Preamble

The members of Corazones Unidos Siempre / Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. ® (hereafter known as C.U.S. or The Sorority) do hereby agree and resolve to adhere to the following guidelines for social responsibility.

Purpose

C.U.S. encourages responsible activities by our members. Greek men and women are committed to leadership and self-governance, and the leaders and members of the Greek community are able to hold functions in a socially responsible manner.

Since the creation of the first Greek Risk Reduction Policy, safety and legality have become primary issues among national fraternities and sororities because of organizational liability, alcohol abuse, and the detrimental effects on scholarship and public image.

The Risk Management Policy has been designed and adopted by the national governing body of C.U.S., the Board of Directors; the policy governs all functions sponsored by each respective chapter and colony. The Risk Management Policy encompasses five primary goals:

A progressive social policy that promotes safe and responsible activities.

Implementation of fair policies designed to protect chapters and create a level playing field.

Allowing the Greek community to self-govern its activities.

Continual education of member chapters regarding policies and periodic evaluation of effectiveness.

Renewed dedication to the safety of our members and guests.

Article I - Policy of Violence

C.U.S. is prepared to take action when violence or harassment has been the purpose or the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance. C.U.S. is also prepared to take action when violence or harassment has the purpose or effect of unjustifiably creating an intimidating or hostile environment for work or learning. Depending on the seriousness of the conduct and its effect, the sanctions may range from educational programming to fines to suspensions from Greek activities and expulsion from membership.

Section 1 – The Scope of the Policy

C.U.S. is prepared to take appropriate measures to address behavior by its members which threatens or endangers the health, safety or well-being of members of the university community or the community-at-large. Faculty, staff, and students comprise the university community. The community-at-large shall encompass non-sorority members. While it is known that the Greek governing bodies may face situations in which it does not have compelling reasons for taking action, it is prepared to review all alleged misconduct under this policy upon receipt of a complaint.

Section 2 – Jurisdiction

The Greek governing bodies assume jurisdiction over misconduct if it occurs in one of these circumstances:

2.1 An act that is committed by a member on campus or at a university sponsored event.
2.2 The act is committed while acting in Greek capacity of conducting C.U.S. business.
2.3 The act is committed anywhere which can be shown to have demonstrated, articulable and adverse impact on an university or some other clear and distinct interest of the community.

Section 3 – Prohibited Behavior

These acts when committed under one of the circumstances described in Section 2, will trigger C.U.S. governing action:

3.1 Physical assault or abuse.
3.2 Sexual assault or abuse.
3.3 Threats with a weapon (display of a weapon accompanied by statements or actions that cause justifiable fear of apprehension).
3.4 Verbal or other threats of physical or sexual assault.
3.5 Damage or destruction to another’s private property.

Article II - Sexual Harassment & Assult

C.U.S. will not tolerate or condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members whether mental, physical, or emotional. This is to include women or men, including but not limited to date rape, gang rape, or verbal harassment.

A chapter or colony will not sponsor or participate in any activity, including competitive games and philanthropic endeavors that are abusive or demeaning to human beings.

Section 1 – Sexual Abuse

Sexual harassment is defined as the unwelcome, unreciprocated imposition of sexual attention, usually in the context of a relationship of unequal power. Rape is defined as an act of sexual penetration with a person against his or her will. Both of these actions fall under the definition of sexual abuse. There are many types of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse usually falls into two categories: verbal and physical.

Section 2 – Verbal Abuse

Whistling

Humor or jokes about sex or male or female specific traits

Suggesting or insulting sounds

Sexual endeavors about you or someone else’s sexual activities

Demands for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats

Obscene gestures

Staring suggestively

Section 3 – Physical Abuse

Inappropriate touching, pinching, or patting

Brushing against someone else’s body

Coerced sexual intercourse

Assault

ARTICLE III - Fire, Health, and Safety

Section 1

All chapters shall prior to, during, and following occupancy at any establishment, meet all local fire and health codes and standards.

Section 2

All chapters shall comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company of all establishments.

Section 3

The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive devices of any kind within the confines and premises of these establishments is expressly forbidden.

Article IV - Alcohol and Drugs

Section 1

The possession, sale, use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, during an official chapter event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the chapter, must be in compliance with any and all applicable states, county and city, university and Greek Risk Management policies, and the chapter’s national alcohol policy.

Section 2

No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through the chapter treasury, nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter (e.g. slush funds, donations). The purchase and/or use of a bulk quantity of such alcoholic beverages (e.g. kegs, party balls, liters, trash can punch) is prohibited; bulk containers are permitted only if administered by a third party vendor who is not affiliated with the chapter.

Section 3

No chapter members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (e.g. those under legal drinking age). Underage drinking at C.U.S. functions will not be tolerated.

Section 4

The possession, sale, and/or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances at any sponsored event or at any event that an observer would associate with the chapter, is strictly prohibited.

No alcohol shall be present at any Associate Member Orientation program or activity.

Article V - Social Events

Section 1 - General Guideline

1.1 A signed Risk Management policy shall be submitted to each chapter or colony at least one week prior to the beginning of every academic year and immediately following a change of any policies.

1.2 Events are the responsibility of the participating organizations. Participating chapters must follow the strictest national alcohol policy that applies.

1.3 No social event shall be centered around the consumption of alcohol or have alcohol as a theme. Date parties, invites, formals, etc., are types of events that may require a theme.

1.4 A specific time shall be set for the beginning and ending of the event (at which time most guests must leave) to follow any local noise ordinances.

1.5 Alternative beverages must be available at every event where alcohol is served.

Section 2 - Event Planning

2.1 The social chairs of each participating chapter shall meet at least seven (7) days prior to the event to discuss and review the alcohol and risk management policies. All organizations participating in the event must ensure compliance with the alcohol and risk management policies.

2.2 Chapters and colonies must inform and submit to the Board of Directors, in writing, any social event (party) at least seven (7) days prior to the event. The written request must be signed by the social chair and/or President of each participating chapter, acknowledging that risk management policies have been discussed and will be implemented as noted.

2.3 If a third party vendor is to be used, a signed and completed Third Party Vendor Agreement must be completed.

Section 3 - Alcohol Distribution

3.1 Third Party Vendor

Alcohol distribution must end at least one hour prior to the end of the event.

When an event utilizes a third party vendor/caterer, the host chapter(s) must have the vendor complete a Third Party Vendor Agreement indicating that the vendor is responsible for:

Proper licensing by the appropriate state or local authority. This might involve both a liquor license and a temporary license to sell on the premises of the event.

Providing a minimum of $1,000,000 of general liability insurance. The certificate of insurance must show that the vendor has “off premise liquor liability coverage and names as additional insured the local chapter and general sorority.

Agreeing in writing to cash sales only, collected by the vendor, during the event.

Assume in writing all responsibilities that any purveyor of alcoholic beverages would assume in the normal course of business.

Checking for age 21 identification and clearly marking those of legal drinking age with a wristband.

Not serving minors.

Not serving individuals who appear intoxicated.

Maintaining control and distribution of all alcoholic beverages.

Collecting all remaining alcohol at the end of the event (no excess alcohol is to be given or sold to the chapter).

Removing all alcohol from the premises.

3.2 BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) EVENTS

Individuals who are of age and bring alcohol to the event receive a hand stamp or wristband.

BYOB alcohol must be checked at the door, and a punch-card will be provided bearing the type of alcohol, quantity of alcohol and the date of the event. A maximum of 12 (12 ounce) containers of beer or 8 (12 ounce) wine coolers may be checked in by each of age guest.

One centralized location for the distribution of alcohol will be established. All servers must be 19 years or older.

Anyone who wishes to acquire an alcoholic beverage that s/he brought to the event must present the punch-card and show the wristband or hand stamp to the server.

Only one beverage may be obtained at a time, and only by the individual who brought it to the event. Upon leaving the event a guest may present his/her punch card and check out all of his/her remaining beverages.

Article VI - Grievance Reporting

A grievance report may be filed by any member of the community.

The grievance must be submitted to C.U.S. within fifteen (15) business days of the event or alleged violation. The report must be given to the C.U.S. Director of Parliamentary Procedures.

The report will be reviewed within ten (10) business days by the Director of Parliamentary Procedures to examine the nature of the complaint, solicit relevant facts and determine charges. Judicial Board members may be appointed to aid in the initial investigation.

Within the ten (10) business days review period the accused parties will receive in writing:

Dismissal of Complaint

Complainant and Chapter Alumni Advisor, if applicable, both must be notified prior to dismissal.

Recommendation for Arbitration

Each party must agree to arbitration.

Referral to the Judicial Board for hearing.

Charges of alleged violations filed during University holidays or during summer break will be considered when classes begin and time limits will begin from the first day of classes.

Article VII - Judicial Process

All judicial processes shall follow the Risk Management Policy.

If it is determined that a hearing is necessary, the Judicial Board shall convene for the hearing. All members of the Board of Directors and the respective Regional Board shall be allowed to attend any hearings.

Article VIII - Violations and Sanctions

Section 1

When a violation of the Risk Management Policy is determined to have occurred, all organizations sponsoring the event, or participating in the incident shall be held accountable. For example, if a violation is reported on an event involving six organizations, CUS reserves the right to hold all six sponsoring organizations to be brought up on charges at the same time.

Section 2

Sanctions may include, but are not limited to the following: fines, educational program requirements, probation, social suspension, intramural suspension, or revocation of member privileges.

Article IX - Education

Section 1

Each member and associate member shall be instructed annually on the Risk Management Policy and Policy on Hazing.

Chapter Alumni Advisor will review The Risk Management Policy and Policy on Hazing, as well as university, state, and local policies on hazing with respective undergraduate chapter annually.

For a chapter to be considered in “Good Standing” with The Sorority for each academic year they must sign the Alumni Advisor form indicating that they agree to abide by The risk Management Policy and Hazing Policy.

Graduate Chapter Presidents must review The Risk Management Policy and Policy on Hazing with their respective chapters and submit a Graduate Chapter Decree of Understanding Form on behalf of graduate chapter members.

The Risk Management Policy and Policy on Hazing as well as university and state policies on hazing will be reviewed with each new member of the sorority upon initiation into it’s membership.

Section 2

The Board of Directors and Regional Boards will sponsor educational programs for chapter officers/members to educate them on risk reduction policies, issues and concerns on an ad hoc basis.

Article X - Policy Coverage

Section 1

No policy can cover all the possible situations that may arise. When this policy is not specific in a certain point, the sorority is to conduct its activities in the spirit of social responsibility embodied in this resolution. Members in violation of the policy’s intent will be subject to review by C.U.S.’s Board of Directors.

Section 2

Should any mitigating circumstances arise in the future, which may render this policy inadequate, said policy may be requested to be amended by an active member. The member shall present the proposed amendment in writing to be read and distributed to the Board of Trustees and voted on at the following Board of Trustees meeting.